Posted at 2:12 p.m., Wednesday, July 4, 2007
NBA: Magic pull offer for Milicic
Advertiser Staff
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Magic pulled their qualifying offer for free agent Darko Milicic, making it unlikely the 7-footer will return to Orlando.Milicic was a restricted free agent, meaning Orlando could have matched any offer. The change, announced yesterday, means he can sign with any team.
The Magic have said they want to retain Milicic, but are also shopping for a free-agent scorer. Seattle SuperSonics forward Rashard Lewis is set to join the team, but it's not official until the signing period opens Wednesday.
The Magic most likely don't have enough salary cap space to keep Milicic and lure Lewis, who will probably make about $15 million annually.
Milicic, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 draft, averaged eight points and five rebounds last season. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons but scarcely played in 2› seasons there.
